Online Sermons
Lesson #10 – What About The Thief On The Cross?
Series: Baptism 101 - What The Bible Says About BaptismLesson #10 – What About The Thief On The Cross?
1) Have you ever had someone argue that baptism is non-essential
(for salvation), based on the account of the thief on the cross?
Two thieves or robbers (Mt.27:38 & Mk.15:13) were crucified with Jesus (one of each side of Jesus).
Luke’s account refers to these two thieves as “criminals” (Lk.23:31).
John’s gospel is less specific: there they crucified Him, and with Him
two other men, one on either side, and Jesus in between (Jn.19:18).
Luke details the mockery, jeering and taunting that Jesus endured at the hands
of the soldiers, the Jewish rulers and the two criminals (Mt.27:44; Mk.15:32 & Lk.23:39).
One criminal hurled abuse at Jesus saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!”
As some point, one thief had a change of heart and rebuked his fellow thief saying (Lk.23:40-41):
Do you not even fear God, since we are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly,
for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; But this man hasdone nothing wrong.
The penitent thief said to Christ, “Jesus, remember me when you come in Your kingdom.” / Lk.23:42
And Jesus said to him: “…Today you shall be with me in paradise”. / Lk.23:43
Is it sound to argue that this instance of salvation without baptism can henceforth apply to all?
2) How does one answer the story of the thief on the cross?
First of all, we do not know for certain that he had not previously been baptized. cf. Mt.10:5f & Lk.10:1f
He could have been baptized by John, Jesus or Jesus’ apostles & have fallen away. cf. Mk.1:14 & Jn.4:1-2
The words of the penitent thief seem to be grounded in more than just a limited awareness.
Secondly, Jesus’ granting him salvation comes prior to the Lord’s actual death.
Jesus said to the paralyzed man 4 “Friend, your sins are forgiven you.” / Lk.5:20 & Mk.2:5
To the woman who washed his feet with her tears, Jesus said 4 “Your sins have been forgiven.”/ Lk.7:48
Regarding His executioners, Jesus prayed 4 “Father, forgive them…” / Lk.23:34
Thirdly, once Christ died for our sins, we are commanded to be baptized into His death.
cf. Mk.16:16; Acts 2:38 & 22:16; Rom.6:3; Gal.3:26-27 and numerous other New Testament citations.
During His personal ministry Jesus had the power commute or forgive sins.
Lk.5:24 / The Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins
After Jesus’ crucifixion, we are guided by the stipulations of His “will” (new covenant). cf. Heb.9:15-17
After Jesus ascended to the Father, instructions come from the apostles. cf. Mt.28:20 & Acts 2:42a
